Citizen of the Galaxy

I consider this "one" of Heinlein's Better works... written during his shift from adolescent Sci-fi to more adult Sci-fi. I admit I have a soft spot for Heinlein, having grown up reading his books (and owning ALL of his book, several of which are autographed Hardbacks).

"Citizen Of The Galaxy" is a "Rags to Riches" theme. Heinlein had the gift of being able to take themes and write a book around them, while also instilling "values" to the reader.

Most modern Sci-fi readers have "Outgrown" Heinlein, but we have to remember that he was writing (accurately) about the future of computers and space flight back when such things were considered impossible.

This book also touches on the VERY real subject of the modern day slave trade, and as the book says "Even now people don't believe there's really a slave trade in this day and age"... But yes, there is, and Heinlein explains why the fight against slavery may never totally be won.

Heinlein picked up many of the concerns he wrote about while traveling.. and it seems the things he felt were wrong with society then, are STILL things that are wrong with society today.

A "must have" for any Heinlein Fan's collection.

I listened to this with my 10 year old son driving to/from summer camps, and we both wished the drive were longer! He loved the story, a "rags to riches" plot as another reviewer notes where the main character gradually discovers and draws upon his unknown talents and core beliefs to become rich and important, but above all, someone who "does the right thing."

But please don't think that this book hits you over the head with the "do the right thing" message! When my son and I described the book to my husband and I commented how much I liked both the story AND the message, my son asked, "What message?" Still, it's a sign of a well-written book for children or young adults in my mind -- look at Harry Potter, even look at Disney's Beauty and the Beast -- when any message is submerged in a good yarn. I highly recommend this very well read book for ages 8 and up!

I've never been big into sci-fi and had never read this author before, but I'm glad I did and I intend to read more. The narator is amazing with his use of accents and voices to seperate characters. The author does an excellent job of integrating polititcs and entertainment. He explains technical details just enough without overloading a lay person.

I had a hard time putting this one down. Highly recommended.

Like a good meal. I wanted the story to continue.
For me the reader is good, the story great. I give it 5 stars, as like some books I have read in one sitting, this audiobook I listened to almost in one sitting. While it is wise to stop eating before having 'had enough', the story finished before I had had enough. There was the odd glitch in voice or storyline (on first listen) and this did not detract from my enjoyment. It is Heinlein after all, and Lloyd James has given a fine reading. If you like Heinlein this is a good listen.

It's hard to believe this book was written in 1957. It still works today. The story is deep, entertaining, and even funny. Lloyd James is a great narrator, too. He really brought this well-written story to life.

I must admit, it's been a long time since I've read a true Sci Fi book, but after listening to this one, I've gotten back into the genre. You don't have to be a Sci Fi fan to enjoy this book, and this is one book that might turn you into one.

I have read through Sci-Fi books like a starving man through a feast, and never before have listened/read such an astounding book, good for die hard sci-fi fans, and those who arent fond of them.
A must read!

Citizen is my second favorite Heinlein novel after The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. Lloyd James is an excellent narrator and the story engages me each time I read or listen to it. I expect I'll keep coming back to it once or twice a year. Just plain old good storytelling.

The story is told in the fine old Heinlein style with believable characters set in several well thought out cultures. Follow Thorby through his escape from slavery and his rise through several Interesting cultures. This author is at his best when telling great stories about people he makes so believable you truly care about them.

I first read this book when I was twelve, and listening to it now, I found myself just as enchanted. This is an excellent reading, and the narrator performs a variety of character voices and accents that add to the experience. Still a damned good SF story, despite its age, and highly recommended!

This is a great read, very light and pleasant, just keeps on going so it's hard to put down. Unlike most of his books this one isn't very preachy, he didn't even go into details about how light speed travel would affect time. If you like this one (I know this might sound wierd, but it really isn't) try "To The Stars" by Hubbard.